THOMAS HARKINS, physician and surgeon, Muscoda; is a son of William and Axey Rosencrans, who were natives of Susquehanna Co., Penn., where Thomas was born. His father was a drover, which was his principal business; was also engaged in farming. The Doctor spent his childhood under the paternal roof, and read medicine with Dr. Partridge, of Montrose, Susquehanna Co., Penn., and graduated at the old Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, which was established by William Penn. In 1850, he came to this State, and located at Hudson, St. Croix Co., and engaged in practice with Dr. R. Hayt, where he remained until November, 1854. His health failing, he came to Lancaster, Grant Co., where he followed his profession until the spring of 1856, when he came to Muscoda. In the fall of 1864, he enlisted as high private in the 44th W. V. I.; the following March, was promoted to Surgeon of the regiment, with the rank of Captain, and was mustered out with the regiment Aug. 28, 1865. In 1866, he located at Highland, Iowa Co., and resumed practice, where he remained until 1874, when he started on a tour through the West, and traveled through Kansas, the Indian Territory, Arkansas, Missouri, and for six weeks through New Mexico, returning to Muscoda in 1880, and resumed practice.

This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.